TIRANA, May 25 – The Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari said Albania has entered a new phase in the fight against organized crime and corruption. He spoke at the conference “From Seizure to Public Good”, organized by AAPSK (Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets). The minister said authorities now target the criminal economy. He said they also aim to return seized assets to public use.

Lamallari said authorities seized assets worth more than 61 million euros in 2025. He said the state placed thousands of properties under administration. He said the results come from cooperation between the State Police, SPAK (Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime), financial investigation units, and AAPSK.

Meanwhile, he said the challenge continues after confiscation. Authorities must prevent asset deterioration. They must also ensure public reuse of recovered property. Confiscated funds have supported justice institutions. They have supported schools, hospitals, and community projects.

At the same time, he said financial crime is evolving. He pointed to crypto-assets. He also pointed to cross-border transfers. He also pointed to modern money laundering methods. He highlighted cooperation with the European Union, Europol (European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation), Eurojust (European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation), and partner countries.

He concluded that a strong state is not defined only by arrests. It is rather defined by removing criminal wealth and by returning it to citizens.

/a.p./